Email: 1st Sunderland Girls Brigade
1st Sunderland Girls' Brigade is part of Girls' Brigade Ministries, a global family that has been helping girls and young women for over 120 years.
On 10 June 1965, The Girls' Brigade Ireland, The Girls' Guildry and The Girls' Life Brigade joined together to create one international organisation – The Girls' Brigade.
This date is now known as the International Day of Prayer. Girls' Brigade members around the world pray for girls, young women and the continuing ministry of Girls' Brigade.
The Girls' Brigade grew from three organisations which were established to support and encourage girls and young women in their faith and development.
Rooted in the Gospel, Miss Margaret Lyttle started a girls' club at Sandymount Presbyterian Church in Dublin in 1893.
Beginning with a regular warm-up PE session for girls during Sunday school, the group soon became a formally recognised organisation with its own constitution and uniform.
“The establishment of Christ's kingdom amongst girls.”
At the start of the new century, the women of Glasgow established The Girls' Guildry in 1900 for girls and young women across Scotland.
“Helping girls to become mature Christian women.”
Soon England had established The Girls' Life Brigade. It offered girls time outside Sunday school to discover how God fitted into their lives.
Girls were encouraged to become responsible and self-reliant Christian women.
Today, Girls' Brigade Ministries, the operating name of Girls' Brigade England & Wales, is part of a global family.
Worldwide there are over 3,000 GB groups and more than 126,000 members.
Girls' Brigade is active across five fellowships:
Every country is united by the same motto, helping girls and young women Seek, Serve and Follow Christ.
Our own story begins in Sunderland.
1st Sunderland Girls' Brigade was formed on 1 December 1961.
Mrs Joyce Welsh and Mrs Hilda Robson founded the company, originally as the 6th Sunderland Girls' Guildry Company.
Before being commissioned as a company, the group had to be established for three months.
On 1 April 1962, the 6th Sunderland Girls' Guildry Company was officially commissioned.
At the time, the minister of the church was Rev. Lewis Allison, who became the first chaplain of the company.
Three years later, in 1965, The Girls' Guildry, The Girls' Life Brigade and The Girls' Brigade Ireland nationally combined to form Girls' Brigade UK.
At this time there were 95 members of the new 1st Sunderland Girls' Brigade.
| Explorers | Juniors | Seniors | Brigaders | Officers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26 | 37 | 16 | 10 | 6 |
In 1967, Captain Mrs J. Welsh left the company. Mrs M. MacIver took over the captaincy in August 1968.
The number of members continued to rise and the brigade became increasingly established within the church and community.
By 1970 the company had reached a strength of 108 members.
There were only two officers at this time, making the work challenging, but the company continued to take part in church life and divisional events.
The largest section was the Juniors.
| Explorers | Juniors | Seniors | Brigaders | Officers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 | 48 | 24 | 14 | 2 |
Over the following years the company flourished even more. Membership grew to at least 150 girls, with the Juniors and Seniors being the largest sections.
Company nights included games, devotions and activities, while members also attended divisional camps, church parades and other organised events.
The brigade continued to play a full role in the week-to-week life of the church. The minister changed during this period, as did the company chaplain, who became Rev. R. F. Enticott.
In April 1982, Mrs M. MacIver retired and Mrs D. C. Hitcham took over as captain.
Membership began to decrease as peer pressure and a growing range of other activities competed for the girls' time.
In 1982 there were 92 members in the company.
| Explorers | Juniors | Seniors | Brigaders | Warrant Officers | Officers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30 | 32 | 14 | 14 | 2 | 10 |
The chaplain became Rev. F. Barron, who took an active part in the life of the company and regularly attended company nights.
The company subsequently maintained a steady number of girls.
In April 1993, Mrs K. Brewis took over as captain when Mrs D. Hitcham was unable to continue.
The chaplain also changed, with Rev. I. Wales taking on the role.
At this time the company consisted of:
| Explorers | Juniors | Seniors | Brigaders |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12 | 15 | 12 | 5 |
Our more recent history is still being written.
We look forward to adding more memories, milestones and achievements from the early 2000s and beyond as our story continues.
From our beginnings in 1961 to the present day, 1st Sunderland Girls' Brigade has continued to provide opportunities for girls and young women to grow in faith, confidence, friendship and service.
We are proud of where we have come from and excited about where our story will take us next.